Two French journalists freed from captivity in Iraq arrived home describing a harrowing four-month ordeal during which they feared for their lives but never lost hope.

Two French reporters, freed from four months of captivity in Iraq, arrived home tonight as the government said it negotiated an end to their ordeal without paying a ransom.

France is receiving information about the two French journalists held hostage in Iraq on a regular basis and, despite four months of captivity, they are in good health, Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said.

The French foreign minister was today on standby return to the Middle East to help win the release of two hostages as experts analysed whether a ransom demand was authentic.

A Paris newspaper editor said there had been positive movement in the effort to free two captive French journalists in Iraq, while a separate militant group said it had killed three Turkish captives.

SEVEN truck drivers held hostage in Iraq since July were freed yesterday after a $500,000 (€411,000) ransom was paid.